.WMA File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .WMA file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

WMA File Recovery

What is a .WMA file?

A WMA file is an audio file saved in the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) proprietary format developed by Microsoft. It contains Windows Media Audio and metadata objects such as the title, artist, album, and genre of the track. WMA files are similar to .MP3 files and primarily used for streaming music from the web.

What Are Common Causes of ".WMA" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".WMA" (Windows Media Audio) files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: The most common cause is accidental deletion by the user. This can happen when files are mistakenly selected and deleted, or when the user clears their recycle bin without checking its contents.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as sudden power outages, improper system shutdowns, hardware issues, or software conflicts. When the file system is corrupted, it can lead to the loss or failure of ".WMA" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".WMA" files. These malicious programs can delete or modify the files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. Formatting or partitioning errors: Formatting or partitioning errors can occur when attempting to format a storage device or create partitions. If these processes are not performed correctly, it can result in the loss of ".WMA" files stored on that device or partition.
  5. Hardware failure: Hardware failures, such as a malfunctioning hard drive or storage device, can cause ".WMA" files to become lost or inaccessible. This can happen due to physical damage, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear over time.
  6. Software or system crashes: Software or system crashes can lead to the loss or failure of ".WMA" files. If the media player or software used to play or manage ".WMA" files crashes or becomes unresponsive, it can result in data loss.
  7. Human error: Human error, such as accidental overwriting of ".WMA" files, improper file transfers, or incorrect file operations, can also cause the loss or failure of ".WMA" files.

It is important to regularly back up important ".WMA" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware and viruses.

How to recover lost ".WMA" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".WMA" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".WMA" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".WMA" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".WMA" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".WMA" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".WMA" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Media Audio File image file file?

Programs that open ".WMA" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Windows Music Microsoft Windows Music
Microsoft Windows Media Player Microsoft Windows Media Player
Nullsoft Winamp Nullsoft Winamp
ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
Web browser Web browser
Mac
ShedWorx Smart Converter ShedWorx Smart Converter
Apple QuickTime Player with Flip4Mac WMV Components Apple QuickTime Player with Flip4Mac WMV Components
Web browser Web browser
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
Linux
Audacious Audacious
iOS
olimsoft OPlayer olimsoft OPlayer

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Media Audio File

  • File extension: .WMA

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Audio Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 30 26 B2 75 8E 66 CF 11 A6 D9 00 AA 00 62 CE 6C

  • ASCII: 0&Іu.fП..Щ...bОl

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:20 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .WMA files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common issues that can occur with .WMA files that may require repair?

    Some common issues that can occur with .WMA files and may require repair include:

    1. Corrupted or damaged file: The file may have been improperly saved, downloaded incompletely, or transferred incorrectly, resulting in corruption or damage.
    2. File format compatibility issues: Some media players or devices may not support the .WMA format, leading to playback issues or errors.
    3. Codec problems: If the required audio codec is missing or outdated, it can cause problems with playing or converting the .WMA file.
    4. Syncing problems: If the .WMA file is being used in a media library or syncing with a device, issues may arise during the synchronization process, resulting in errors or incomplete transfers.
    5. Metadata errors: The metadata (such as song title, artist, album, etc.) associated with the .WMA file may be incorrect, missing, or corrupted, causing issues with organization or playback.
    6. File header corruption: The header of the .WMA file contains important information about the file, and if it gets corrupted, it can prevent proper playback or cause errors.
    7. File fragmentation: If the .WMA file is stored on a fragmented disk, it may result in playback issues or errors.
    8. File conversion problems: When converting .WMA files to other formats, such as MP3, issues may occur due to incompatible settings, errors in the conversion process, or quality loss.
    9. DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions: Some .WMA files may be protected by DRM, which can limit their usage or prevent them from being played on certain devices or software.
    10. File truncation: If the .WMA file was not properly saved or transferred, it may be truncated, resulting in incomplete or missing audio data.
  • What are some methods or tools available to repair corrupted or damaged .WMA files?

    There are several methods and tools available to repair corrupted or damaged .WMA files. Here are a few options:

    1. VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular media player that can sometimes repair minor issues with .WMA files. Simply open the file in VLC, go to "Tools" > "Preferences" > "Input/Codecs" > "Files" and select "Always fix" in the "Damaged or incomplete AVI file" option.
    2. Windows Media Player: Windows Media Player itself can attempt to fix damaged .WMA files. Open the file in Windows Media Player, and it may prompt you to repair the file if it detects any issues.
    3. Digital Video Repair: Digital Video Repair is a free tool specifically designed to repair various video and audio file formats, including .WMA. It can fix issues such as incomplete downloads, damaged headers, and more.
    4. File Repair: File Repair is a versatile tool that can repair a wide range of file formats, including .WMA. It analyzes the corrupted file and attempts to fix any issues automatically.
    5. Stellar Repair for Video: Stellar Repair for Video is a professional software that specializes in repairing various video and audio file formats, including .WMA. It can fix issues like header corruption, video playback errors, and synchronization problems.
    6. Online file repair services: There are several online services available that can repair corrupted .WMA files. These services typically require you to upload the damaged file, and they will attempt to repair it and provide a downloadable, repaired version.

    Remember to always make a backup of your damaged files before attempting any repair methods, as there is a chance that the repair process may cause further damage or loss of data.

  • Are there any specific steps or precautions to take when attempting to repair .WMA files to avoid further data loss or damage?

    When attempting to repair .WMA files, it is important to follow certain steps and precautions to avoid further data loss or damage. Here are some guidelines to consider:

    1. Create a backup: Before attempting any repairs, make sure to create a backup of the original .WMA files. This ensures that even if the repair process fails or causes further damage, you still have the original files intact.
    2. Use reliable software: Choose a reputable and reliable software tool specifically designed for repairing .WMA files. Research and read reviews to ensure that the software is trustworthy and effective.
    3. Scan for malware: Before initiating the repair process, scan your computer for malware or viruses. Malware can corrupt or damage files, so it is crucial to ensure your system is clean before attempting any repairs.
    4. Follow software instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the software for repairing .WMA files. Each software may have different steps and options, so it is important to understand and follow them correctly.
    5. Keep original files untouched: Avoid modifying or deleting the original .WMA files until the repair process is complete. This way, you can always revert to the original files if the repair attempt fails.
    6. Test repaired files: After the repair process, test the repaired files to ensure they are working as expected. Play them in a media player and check for any audio or playback issues. If the repaired files are still not functioning properly, you may need to consider alternative repair methods or professional assistance.
    7. Update software and drivers: Ensure that your software and drivers are up to date. Outdated software or drivers can sometimes cause issues with file repair processes. Update them before attempting any repairs.
    8. Seek professional help if needed: If you are not confident in repairing .WMA files yourself or if the repair attempts fail, it is advisable to seek professional help. Data recovery experts or specialized technicians may have advanced tools and techniques to recover or repair the files without further damage.

    Remember, there is no guarantee that all .WMA files can be repaired successfully, especially if they are severely damaged. Therefore, it is always recommended to maintain regular backups of important files to minimize the risk of data loss.

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